Haunting Astrid Read online

  “We’ll see about that.” Joseph followed me up to the third floor; there was no elevator. He held out his hand, and I looked at him questioningly. “Your keys?”

  “Oh, the door isn’t locked,” I told him, turning the doorknob and walking inside. The next thing I knew, the door slammed shut behind me, causing me to jump nervously. Joseph took me by the arm and marched me over to the sofa and seated me with a jerk.

  “Do not move, young lady, while I make sure that no one is hiding in your bedroom.” I watched, flabbergasted as he walked through every inch of my small apartment, making sure that no one was indeed hiding. I was never more thankful than I was right then that I am a neat freak, very conscientious about keeping my home spotless. Joseph returned to the living room, taking off his coat and tossing it over a wooden rocking chair that I usually sat in to read and listen to music. He then rolled up his sleeves, looking at me the whole time. I realized too late that I should have started running when I had a chance! He sat on my left side and two seconds later I was lying face down over his lap!

  “What are you thinking, Jodi Vanscoy? First of all, you tell me you don’t ever wear a seatbelt, and believe me, I am still upset enough over that to spank your bottom until you can’t sit down for a week! Then you tell me your door is left unlocked! What are you thinking? Do you realize that anyone could walk right in here and wait for you to get home and attack you? Getting robbed is the least of your problems! You could be raped, for God’s sake! By the time I’m done setting your cute little butt on fire you will never again think of leaving your door unlocked. I am really pissed, Jodi!”

  He made that clear when he started spanking me! I tried to maintain my dignity, but it quickly flew out the window… and then I was crying and begging him to stop. But the only time he stopped it was to lecture me and to ask me questions that I couldn’t concentrate on answering because he started spanking again. My skirt was no protection whatsoever, and I was in so much pain by the time he stopped the painful punishment that I didn’t even realize he’d stopped! It was awful! My skin was burning, and I knew I wouldn’t be sitting any time soon.

  “There, there…” Joseph said, sitting me on his lap and holding me tight. “I know that spanking hurt, but not nearly as much as some maniac would hurt you if you came home to this apartment alone some night. Now, go ahead and cry it out, honey. Will you please promise me you’ll lock this door from now on?” he asked when I quieted just a bit.

  I couldn’t speak, but I did nod. I did not want another spanking… ever again! There was nothing sexy about this spanking. There was no turned on feeling in my lower body, just stinging pain where I sit. I heard unmistakable footsteps in the hallway and shot to my feet and ran for the bathroom, leaving Joseph sitting there wondering what the hell was happening with me. The door flew open and I heard Joseph and Brian say, “Who are you?” at the exact same time.

  “I’m Brian Vanscoy, Jodi’s brother. And you?” My brother sounded belligerent and I prayed he wouldn’t threaten Joseph and cause me to lose my job!

  “I’m Joseph Chantry.”

  “Ahhhhh, Chantry Three!” My brother actually had the nerve to say. “It’s nice to meet you, man. Can I get you a beer?” Brian asked, and I could hear his big feet heading for the fridge. “Well, I’ll get you a beer if Sis stocked up. Might be there’s only apple juice…? Nope, there’s beer!” He sounded as excited as a little kid with a brand new toy and I just had to smile.

  “Nice and cold, the way I like my beer,” Joseph said, perfectly at ease. I was frantically erasing all traces of crying, but I still looked blotchy, the redhead’s curse.

  “So, did you give Sis a ride home from work? I know her clunker is in the shop again.”

  “Actually, we had dinner together,” Joseph explained.

  “Really? You must be special if she let you take her out. She doesn’t go for that sort of thing normally. She hates for anyone she works with to see this place, even though I don’t think it’s that bad. She’s only poor because of me.”

  “Why is that?” Joseph asked curiously, and I wished my brother would shut up!

  “She’s supported me since our folks were killed seven years ago. She was only eighteen, and she raised me and insisted I go to college. She’s paying for every bit of it, and I do what I can to support myself and help out, but she thinks it is more important for me to get good grades than work. When I finally graduate and get a good job, I am going to pay her back every last cent she’s spending on my college.”

  “That is not necessary, Brian. I’m happy to do it. It is what Dad and Mom would have wanted me to do.”

  “You were too young to take on raising a kid, Sis, and we both know it.” He looked at me really hard, and then grinned. “This is really awkward. I don’t know whether to leave or stay and kick him out…?”

  Joseph laughed and got to his feet. “I was just getting ready to leave, Brian.” His cell phone rang then; he took it from his jacket pocket and checked the number. He looked at me with a smile and nodded. “It’s our client. I need to go. You keep your promise, young lady!” He warned me, grabbed his coat, and flew out the door, anxious to get to the police station.

  “So…? Are you going to tell me what is going on? And why you’ve been crying?” Brian asked, coming straight to the point.

  I shook my head no, but he was persistent and walked over to put his large hands on my shoulders. “Sis, you either tell me what happened, or I’ll be seeing Three at the law office come Monday morning.”

  He would, too! Brian was as protective of me as I was of him. “Joseph was angry when he discovered I didn’t have the door to the apartment locked.”

  “I see. And…?”

  “And that was on top of learning that I never use seatbelts,” I admitted. I knew my face was red as could be. I didn't know quite how to explain this. "He… he… I guess he's old-fashioned," I finished lamely.

  “He spanked you, didn’t he?” Brian put it all together in a surprisingly small amount of time.

  “I do not wish to talk about it, Bri,” I said in the firm tone of voice that normally worked to stop him from prying, but not this time.

  “I don’t like the idea of any man mistreating you, Jodi. Now act like the grown up you are and tell me exactly what happened or I won’t wait until Monday morning to track this guy down and put my hands on him!”

  “Brian, no! Please don’t talk like that. It’s not what you think. He wasn’t mistreating me… not really. He was worried about my safety.”

  “He simply spanked you, Sis?”

  “Yes, but it really hurt… and even worse, it was embarrassing!”

  “I can understand how he feels, too, Sis. If a man is worth two cents he doesn’t want his girl putting herself in danger. How many times have I talked to you about locking this door… and wearing your seatbelt…? Maybe you’ll listen to him…?”

  “I will for a day or two at least,” I agreed. “My butt hurts.”

  My little brother put his arms around me and gave me a brotherly hug. “If you keep seeing him, then you’ll remember longer than a day or two if you value your butt.” He snickered then, and said he was going to finish his beer and go to sleep… if I didn’t mind. Since I was anxious to go to bed, too, I didn’t argue, but instead said goodnight and headed for the bedroom.

  Once in my bed my thoughts returned to Astrid and trying to figure out a unique way to get even with her. Of course it had to be something that wouldn’t get me caught. I didn’t want any risk involved. Although I was sure it wasn’t his intention, it was Joseph who gave me a wonderful idea. I knew it would work, too. I just needed a bit more information, and a few props. I suddenly jumped out of bed and padded barefoot out to the living room. Brian wasn’t asleep and looked at me suspiciously.

  “Do you want me to beat him up after all?” he asked, and I couldn’t tell if he was serious.

  “No, I really don’t, Bri. I’m starting to feel some better now, honest.”
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  “Okay.” I could see he was relieved.

  “Do you think you could borrow a few props from the theater department for me?” I was hopeful the answer would be yes.

  “Sure. What do you have in mind?” Since Brian knew all about the nasty things that Astrid had done to me over the last several years, he was only too happy to take part in helping me. We laughed a bit, and Bri even helped fine tune my plan. Picturing the look on Astrid’s face over the next few weeks helped me forget the pain that was my tush and go to sleep.

  *****

  I was folding laundry when there was a knock on my door Saturday morning. I hurried to answer the door, expecting to see my elderly neighbor standing there, but to my surprise it was Joseph!

  “I hope I’m not bothering you, Jodi?” he asked. I saw his eyes taking note of my tight jeans and tee shirt, typical Saturday wear for me.

  “No, not at all. Come inside. Would you like some coffee? I just made a fresh pot.”

  “That sounds really good.” He looked around and then asked, “Where is your brother?”

  “Out jogging in the park,” I answered. Once Brian showered he was heading to school to get the items I requested, so I was lucky that Joseph stopped by now instead of later. I handed him a mug of steaming coffee then invited him to sit down. I’d already folded up the sofa and picked up the mess from Brian’s spending the night.

  “I wanted to come by and check on you, Jodi. How are you this morning?” he asked, looking at me as if he was trying to gauge how I felt by gazing into my eyes.

  “My bottom is tender as can be if that is what you want to know,” I answered.

  “I was pretty frustrated,” he admitted. “It’s too dangerous for you to come home to an unlocked apartment. I hope you will lock your door from now on so I won’t have to spank you again.”

  “I think I got the message, Joseph.” I was so embarrassed.

  “Good. It sure wasn’t the best way to start off a new relationship,” he said. “I think I should explain that in my family it is one way that love is shown. We believe in a traditional marriage, with the man as the head of the household and responsible for making final decisions after discussion and taking into consideration what is best for the family as a whole. We believe in treating each other with respect and love, discussing the rules and setting them together, and only then, using discipline if necessary. I crossed several lines last night by grabbing you and putting you over my knee without explaining… and without your consent. I beg your forgiveness for frightening you, Jodi,” Joseph said so humbly that my heart melted and any trace of lingering resentment or anger was instantly gone.

  “There is truly nothing to forgive, Joseph. Inside here,” I tapped on my heart, “I knew you were upset because you truly care. You are not a monster, and according to Brian, I’ve needed a hand to my bottom for years.” I just knew I was blushing. “After our parents were killed, no one has ever cared what I did. Well, Brian cares, but he is my little brother.”

  “And little brothers who are raised by their big sister do not suddenly start giving her rules and expecting her to obey them. I understand, Jodi. I do care about you, and now that you know my heart is in the right place, I promise I will spank your little butt each and every time I see you breaking these two rules. It is a matter of your personal safety, honey.” I melted inside at his use of an endearment for me. Could this be real… and actually happening to me?

  “You are going to make me fall hard for you, Joseph. Please be sure you mean ‘honey’ when you say it. I don’t want to be hurt. Right now this all feels like some fantasy or dream, and that I am going to wake up to find my heart shattered into a million pieces.”

  “Did I imagine those times I saw you looking my way at the office?” he asked.

  “No,” I whispered, and there went my cheeks again, letting him know I was embarrassed as could be. “You saw me drooling, huh?” I asked.

  “I was drooling back,” he said, chuckling. “When you volunteered to work late with me several times I was sure that it was because you had feelings for me… but then, you always called me ‘sir’, and behaved so professionally that I thought I might be imagining things…?”

  “I enjoyed working late with you,” I admitted, but did not confess that I did not volunteer, but was drafted by Astrid the Witch!

  “Will you allow me to court you, Jodi? Knowing that I am old-fashioned and believe in spanking, do you think you could love me in time?” His dark eyes seemed to search my very soul for a truthful answer, and all I knew was that I was drawn to this man like no other. Even though he spanked… or maybe because he spanked.

  “I would love to be courted by you, Joseph; I think I am already half in love with you!” I swallowed hard and then blurted, “I love your eyes, Joseph!”

  He smiled real big and then said with a grin, “I love your cute little butt.”

  “Joseph!”

  I thought he was teasing me, but he reached for my hand and kissed it and said, “I have spent considerable time admiring your tush while I was supposed to be working. You have a cute little wiggle in your walk, Jodi Lynn.”

  “You know my middle name?” My voice squeaked. I hated my middle name with a passion. It was a frufru name in my opinion… and I never used it! The fact Joseph had, made me frown in pure annoyance. “I hate that name,” I told him, frowning.

  “You do?” He gave me a puzzled look. “I guess Astrid was wrong when she suggested at an office meeting that you preferred to be addressed as Jodi Lynn because you felt your first name was too masculine?”

  I clamped my lips shut before I said something hateful about Astrid that could spell trouble for my job. “I think that Jodi is a beautiful name, honey. And I love the name Lynn, too. The name Jodi Lynn suits you. It’s cute and precious, just like you.”

  “Thank you, Joseph. You may call me that, but only when we are alone, please. Astrid was very wrong,” I said with a smile, pretending it didn’t bother me when it did.

  Brian picked that moment to come in from his run, dripping with sweat, but happy as could be. “Hey, Joseph. It’s good to see you again. Jodi is in one piece; she didn’t cry herself to sleep… or anything like that. Thanks for trying to impress on her the need to lock up and to wear her seat belt. I’ll let your spanking her pass this one time, especially if it works, but don’t think I’ll let you or any dude beat on Sis. She might be little, but I’m not. I won’t let anyone abuse her.”

  Chapter Three

  “That’s good to know, Brian. I feel the same way; I won’t let anyone beat on Jodi or abuse her, either. Between the two of us, I hope we can keep her safe.”

  “I like you, man,” Brian said, and I wanted to die right then and there. I sensed the approval process was over; Joseph had passed inspection, and that was the end of it. And what did that make me? I wasn't sure, but I was going to shake Brian for sure after Joseph left. “I need a shower,” he suddenly announced.

  “Get your shower and I’ll take you and your sister out for lunch. You pick the place.”

  I couldn’t believe that Joseph was trying to befriend my brother and include him, but he was. “You have no idea how much food Brian can eat!”

  “I heard that, Sis!” Brian yelled from the bathroom.

  “Stop eavesdropping!” I yelled right back, and then grinned. “Thank you for including him, Joseph. He is my only living family.”

  “Will you spend some time getting to know my family?” he asked, quite serious.

  “Yes, but not at work. I think we need to keep the fact that we are dating to ourselves.”

  “I’m glad you brought that up, Jodi, and I’ll tell Dad and Granddad to keep quiet about it, too. I don’t want to make things difficult for you with the other secretaries. They’ll think you are getting special considerations and make assumptions about you that are not true. I would hate to have to start firing all of them for mistreating my girl.”

  He was thinking of me, but I had to ask one
question. “Have you done this before… dated someone from the office?” His startled look was all I needed to have my answer.

  “No, Jodi, I haven’t. We are both adults; we know that most office romance ends badly. What I feel for you isn’t just an attraction; it goes deeper. That is why I spoke to Dad and Granddad before I ever asked you to have dinner with me. I wanted their blessing because I’m not about to risk office protocol on an infatuation. Do you trust me, honey?”

  “I do. Thank you for reassuring me.” Brian returned to the living room, smelling much better than before, and we went to an Italian restaurant close-by that served unlimited bowls of pasta. I giggled when Joseph watched Bri put away a ton of food. I couldn’t tell if he was shocked… or envious! Joseph returned to the apartment with us, and Bri slipped away to go to the theater department at school to pick up my props. Joseph visited for another couple of hours, and then reluctantly got to his feet and said that he had a business dinner to attend that evening, and it wasn’t something he could invite me to. I assured him that it was fine because Bri and I had some plans of our own.

  *****

  My first view of Astrid’s new home was one of great delight. Just as Joseph told me, it was a very old house… more of a mansion, and I wondered what Astrid planned to do with such a place. I really didn’t care, but I was happy that it was ideal for my plans. We parked where we could watch, and saw a man pick Astrid up for a date. We gave her a few minutes to realize she forgot something and return, and it was a good thing we did. Just as we were ready to make our move, the car pulled back up, and she ran inside and back out carrying a container of food. It appeared she was going to a party and that gave us plenty of time.

  A spare key was under the doormat, where any fool could find it, and Brian and I were inside just that quick. I couldn’t help but look around curiously, and from the looks of the place, very few rooms were actually in use. It was obvious that Astrid had taken on a large renovation project, and it all made sense. She bought the old mansion to fix it up and then resell it and make a bunch of money. Astrid was all about the bottom line. It didn’t take Bri and I long to set up a few things, and my plan to get even with Astrid was officially underway. I felt a pang of guilt, knowing that a lot of people - Joseph included - would consider what I was doing unacceptable; you didn't have to work at a law firm to know that this was breaking-and-entering. If anyone knew just how awful Astrid had been to me all this time, though, I was sure they would understand. I told my conscience to be quiet and went right on.